ENVELOPE

Composer J. Ralph and musician Sting collaborated on the song "Empty Chair," from the documentary "Jim: The James Foley Story." “We wanted to imbue it with his bravery and selflessness,” Ralph says.

Composer J. Ralph and musician Sting collaborated on the song "Empty Chair," from the documentary "Jim: The James Foley Story." “We wanted to imbue it with his bravery and selflessness,” Ralph says. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Sting found the story of slain photojournalist James Foley “emotionally devastating” but inspiring.

“It’s an example of true American heroism. Not that gung-ho, shoot-‘em-up … this is real heroism,” says the British musical superstar. “Stand up, speak your mind at your own danger to protect the people around you. That’s the kind of America we want.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborated with fellow musicians to create the songs for Disney's "Moana." “I don’t know how to do this in solitude,” the songwriter says.

Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborated with fellow musicians to create the songs for Disney's "Moana." “I don’t know how to do this in solitude,” the songwriter says. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The crowd at a movie premiere is an inherently friendly one. Everyone in the house is either employed by the studio, had a hand in making the movie or is just happy to be at a free movie (that would be the press). And when the film finishes screening, there is always a round of applause for almost every name that floats on the screen.

Johann Johannsson's score for the science fiction film "Arrival" is one of several notable Oscar contenders this year.

Johann Johannsson's score for the science fiction film "Arrival" is one of several notable Oscar contenders this year. (Wire Image)

Many of this year’s notable film scores are the work of relative newcomers to Hollywood, with a few established veterans (as ever) in the mix. The scores range from experimental sound worlds for alien visitors to more traditional, symphonic approaches for more familiar galactic friends.

Writer-director Rebecca Miller took the nugget of an idea -- "what happens when you realize you want to return your husband to his ex-wife?" -- and turned it into the film "Maggie's Plan."

Writer-director Rebecca Miller took the nugget of an idea -- "what happens when you realize you want to return your husband to his ex-wife?" -- and turned it into the film "Maggie's Plan." (Jennifer S. Altman/For The Times)

In 2012, I was on the prowl for something funny — an article, a book, a short story — to build a script around. I had just moved back to the city [New York] with my family, was freshly in love with the place, and was burned out after writing a novel, “Jacob’s Folly,” about a reincarnated Jewish housefly. I needed a leg up.

"I – and many of the artists on this show – found so much of ourselves in this boy. Effectively, he’s an artist, he’s a storyteller, he’s a musician, he’s an animator," says Laika chief Travis Knight.

"I – and many of the artists on this show – found so much of ourselves in this boy. Effectively, he’s an artist, he’s a storyteller, he’s a musician, he’s an animator," says Laika chief Travis Knight. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“Kubo and the Two Strings,” from upstart American animation studio Laika, confounds expectations on its way to Oscar contention. The gorgeously handcrafted stop-motion film seems to embark on that familiar hero’s journey, only to find its own way home.